Chasing Red

Development Director Dennis Clancey spent six years learning the craft of bull running firsthand beginning in 2007, exploring how best to capture it on film. The documentary was crowd-funded through Indiegogo and other sources. Filming The film was shot primarily during the 2012 Festival of San Fermín in Pamplona, with additional footage from previous years. The crew utilized various methods to capture the bull runs from multiple angles, including the use of cable-cameras above the route, drone footage, and ground-level perspectives. Additional filming locations included Arizona, various Spanish towns, and California. ==Synopsis==

The film follows four runners through the eight runs of the 2012 San Fermín festival, providing an insider's perspective on the tradition, techniques, and dangers of bull running. The documentary features: • Dennis Clancey – The director and a former Army officer who had been running for six years • Bill Hillmann – A Chicago-based sports writer, former boxer, and acclaimed author who later wrote about his experiences • David Ubeda – A well-recognized Spanish runner from Castilla-La Mancha, known as one of the top runners of his generation • Josiah Lloyd – A first-time runner learning the traditions under Clancey's mentorship The title "Chasing Red" represents "the pursuit of something beyond reach, akin to a bull chasing a moving cape," symbolizing the value found in purposeful and persistent quests. ==Release==

Film festival premiere Chasing Red premiered at the LA Indie Film Festival in January 2015, where it won the Best of the Fest Grand Jury Prize. Distribution The film was acquired by Magnolia Pictures for distribution and became available on multiple streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and Fandango at Home. ==Reception==

Critical response The documentary received positive reviews for its cinematography and authentic portrayal of the running of the bulls tradition. Critics praised the film's ability to transport viewers to Pamplona and its insider's perspective on the event. IndieWrap Magazine wrote: "Exciting, exhilarating and deeper than we thought it would be; Chasing Red is a fantastic insight into the ages old traditions of Pamplona. The film serves as a potent entry point for those who are barely familiar with this event." Film Threat praised the cinematography, stating it was "jaw-dropping, as it feels like the viewer is in Spain with the director and his friends. It is intense and gorgeous stuff." ==Crew==

• Director of Photography: Brandon Widener • Editor: Brian Moghari • Original Music: Steve Cahill • Sound Design: Jon Lyga • Colorist: Robert Curreri • Drone Operators: Matthew Dunn, William Clary • Production Coordinators: Jorge Contreras, Javier Armijo ==Aftermath==

Following the film's release, Bill Hillmann was gored during the 2014 Festival of San Fermín, an event that received international media attention. Both Hillmann and Clancey were later featured in CNN's "Seeing Red: The Running of the Bulls," which began streaming on CNN and Max in 2023. ==See also==